With Marvel's 2019 slate of films set for release and/or putting on the finishing touches to their productions, the studio is now turning its attention towards its next round of projects. Chief among those is the announced The Eternals film, which currently only has director Chloé Zhao and writers Matthew K. Firpo and Ryan Firpo attached, with no cast confirmed.
According to sources, Marvel is looking to feature its first openly gay superhero in the upcoming film.
Previously, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige stated during press coverage for Ant-Man and The Wasp, that they were looking to bring a new LGBTQ character into the mix in the near future. This news would certainly line up as The Eternals is tentatively set to begin production in September of this year.
The studio is looking to cast an actor between the ages of 30-49 who "physically looks like a superhero" with no specific preference on ethnicity, but a preference on an actor who is openly gay.
There is currently no speculation on which character the role will be for, whether it's a character adapted from the source material or an entirely original one for the film, but they will star alongside characters such as Sersi, Ikaris, and Piper, who are expected to be in the movie.
Whoever is ultimately cast will mark a first for the studio as it continues to push through with diversity in their lineup of films such as Captain Marvel, Marvel's first female-led superhero flick, which releases today. ~Paolo Maquiraya
Just please, please, please don't cast Jim Parsons.
Why not Jim Parsons Yvonne?
Probably because he's as annoying AF
Jim Parsons does not look like a superhero
Marvel has plans to cast first openly gay superhero ????? the world has gone to immoral sinful place that anything goes, disgusting....i ilke marvel until they decided this mess as movies today think they need to bring this mess into a movie like they need to, so sad
I always thought Benedict Cumberbatch was gay so i assumed Marvel had already cast a gay actor as Dr. Strange..ah well they can always cast James Wood..oh sorry they said "Openly Gay".
I think Luke Evans would be a good choice.
I agree Luke Evan's.
I think my son would make a great superhero. He is a broadway actor in Canada.
What a marvelous News..As an open gay man on my 60s growing up with all the superheroes ever created I feel moved, touched ,excited that I will see my first gay superhero before I die.
Maybe they could cast Tom Cruise (it would be the perfect time to come out). Oh, I guess he's too old.
Why not Ricky Martin? Not only he is gay , he is handsome, has acting experience and he is a minority since he is Puerto Rican.
Matt Bomer would be great. He's already worked in the super-hero realm, and he's fun to watch -- check out White Collar -- plus he's easy on the eyes.. For everyone: man or woman; gay or str8!
Sad some of the comments I hear claim the decision as sinful and disgusting to cast an LGTBQ actor. Sinful is a theological term and those with that conviction have a right to their convictions but calling it disgusting is in itself a disgusting, intolerant statement and should be beneath and caring, loving human being living in today's society that is trying to embrace diversity.
I think Daniel Newman (The Walking Dead) would be an excellent choice! #DanielNewmanGaySuperhero
Though I've never been a superhero film aficionado, as a 74-y-o gay man, this really warms my heart. Good for Marvel! As to the hateful comment..it saddens me that self-styled 'Christians' are so hate-filled. Christ taught love, not hate and when he sees how his teachings have been perverted to justify hate (in the minds of those who hate), he must surely weep in despair.
Yeah, Luke Evans is who I thought of first too.